By Palang Paul
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s mining industry to embrace modern and sustainable practices as part of efforts to curb insecurity and reposition the sector for growth.
The call was made on Thursday at a two-day capacity-building workshop for miners in Plateau State, with the theme: “Enhancing Safety, Sustainability, and Community Development in Mining.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Ahmed Galadima, who was represented by the Deputy General Manager, Projects, Paul Ohabuike, stressed that insecurity in mining communities could be drastically reduced if operators adhered to international safety standards and best practices.
“While security remains a broad challenge, PTDF’s role is to ensure miners are trained on global standards. Once these are followed, many of the insecurity issues will be addressed,” Galadima said.
He explained that the programme falls under PTDF’s research and innovation mandate, adding that measurable outcomes had been defined by the UNIJOS-endowed chair to evaluate the impact of the training.
“At the end of this workshop, we expect miners to adopt safer practices, improve environmental management, and enhance the livelihoods of host communities,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor of UNIJOS, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, represented by Prof. Samuel Odey, described the initiative as a demonstration of how academia can respond to national challenges through partnerships.
“Today’s gathering reflects the power of collaboration between universities, government, industry, and grassroots communities,” Ishaya said. “The Middle Belt is rich not only in minerals but also in human potential, and education must drive inclusive growth and safer mining.”
Chairman of the UNIJOS-PTDF Professorial Chair in Geology and Mineral Science, Prof. Nuhu Samaila, noted that mining is a lifeline for many households, but warned that its benefits would only be sustainable if economic gains were balanced with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
He explained that the training was designed to encourage dialogue among miners, scientists, and policymakers on key issues such as mercury-free processing, health and safety, cooperative development, and waste management.
Also speaking, the Plateau State Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, represented by Johnson Nwosu, raised concerns over harassment of miners, multiple taxation, revoked licenses, and high lending rates. He called for a simplified licensing system, transparent audits, and the establishment of a mining security task force.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Minerals, Peter Gwom, acknowledged regulatory gaps but urged operators to comply with existing laws. He disclosed that the state government had approved the continuation of more than 40 abandoned mining projects across local government areas to reduce illegal activities and stimulate economic recovery.
Over 250 miners are currently participating in the two-day training programme holding at the University of Jos, Plateau State.
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